PASAY CITY – Thirteen national finalists from Bicol Region recently received plaques of recognition during the 50th Gawad Saka Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda held at the Philippine Trade Training Center this city on May 26, 2025.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel led the honoring of some 101 national finalists (top three) from all over the country in the nine major categories and 47 sub categories.
The Bicol delegation was headed by DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla and Farmer Regional Executive Director Claudia Esmeralda Honrado.
The finalists from Bicol were the following:
1. Outstanding Communal Irrigation System – San Agustin- San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers Cooperative of Bula, Camarines Sur. The award was received by Joan Javier and Cha Arejola.
2. Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer – Edwin O. Raquitico of Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur
3. Outstanding Provincial Agricultural & Fishery Council (PAFC) – PAFC Albay. The award was received by PAFC Chairperson Rene delos Reyes
4. Outstanding Municipal Agricultural & Fishery Council (MAFC) – MAFC Dimasalang, Masbate. The award was received by Wilmor B. Belarmino and Coun. Anna Karennina C. Naga
5. Outstanding Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) – LGU of Polangui, Albay. The award was received by Mayor Adrian Salceda and Municipal Agriculturist Leslie B. Bongalos
6. Outstanding City Local Government Unit (CLGU) – LGU of Ligao City, Albay. The award was received by Vice Mayor Jaypee M. David
7. Outstanding Agri Entrepreneur (Medium Category) – J. Emmanuel Pastries of Canaman, Cam. Sur, owned by Joseph and Maria Lydia Lomibao
8. Outstanding Farm Family – Mr. and Mrs. Jose Obligacion and Family of Ligao City
9. Outstanding Young Farmer Organization – Albay Young Farmers Organization, Inc. of Legazpi City. The award was received by Joshua Barcelon, Diosun Fye Jadulos, Aira Jane Maramba, Daniel Kim Soon Wee, and Jambi Lagonoy
10. Outstanding Agri Entrepreneur (Small Category) – Deloverges Agri-Farm of Bula, Cam. Sur, owned by Rey and Raquel Deloverges
11. Outstanding Small Farmer Organization – Camarines Sur Multi-purpose Cooperative (CMPC) of Pili, Camarines Sur. The award was received by Ernie and Irene Abragan
12. Outstanding Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) – MFARMC of Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte. The award was received by Hon. Ariel M. Non and Willie Selorico, MFARMC Chairperson
13. Outstanding Rural Financial Institution (Non-Bank)- Camarines Norte Development Cooperative. The award was received by Luz R. Payla and Antonio M. Rana.
Secretary Tiu Laurel re-activated the Gawad Saka after five years of hiatus. it was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It started in 1970 and the most recent Gawad Saka search was held in 2020 and. In his message, Sec. Tiu Laurel said that the 50th Gawad Saka awarding is not only a ceremony to honor the best of the best, the trailblazers in agriculture, but a commitment and a promise to continue the delivery of support to the farmers and fishers.
The 50th Gawad Saka Search was chaired by Usec. Roger Navarro, Undersecretary for Operation, Farm Mechanization and Rural Credit. In his speech, he extended his sincere gratitude to the farmers and fishers and said that the ceremony was a celebration of their sacrifice.
Meanwhile, according to Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, Director of Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and Vice Chairperson of Gawad Saka, in the past five decades Gawad Saka has expanded its categories solidifying its status as a prestigious symbol of excellence in the field of agriculture and fisheries. The nationwide search continues to honor outstanding individuals, groups, organizations and cooperatives in agriculture and fisheries for their excellence, innovation and sustainable practices. “Beyond recognition, Gawad Saka offers incentives and aligns with the department’s broader goals,” Director Recoter added.
Another highlight of the event was the recognition of the Chairpersons of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) who were designated as Farmer Regional Executive Directors (FRED) for the month of May.
Ms. Bernadette delos Santos, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) introduced the FRED Program. Launched in 2017, the program aims to strengthen collaboration between the government and the private sector in driving agricultural development by placing farmer leaders at the forefront of agriculture administration. “It brings the voice of the grassroots into the heart of decision making insuring that policies and programs are known to those who will be affected by them,” she said.
RAFC Bicol Chairperson Claudia Esmeralda Honrado was among the FREDs who received plaque of recognition and P50,000 cash incentive for their month-long stint as FRED. (Lovella P. Guarin – RAFIS 5)
Photo credit: Gian Carlo Luage -AFID